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220-1201 Practice Question: That their computer cannot connect to a network…
A user reports that their computer cannot connect to a network share. The technician runs ipconfig and sees an IP address of 169.254.1.5. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that a 169.254.x.x address always means a physical cable issue, but the correct interpretation is that it indicates a DHCP failure, not necessarily a Layer 1 problem.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP server is unavailable or unreachable
The IP address 169.254.1.5 is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned by Windows when a DHCP discovery fails. This indicates the client could not reach a DHCP server to obtain a valid lease, making the DHCP server unavailable or unreachable the most likely cause.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The DNS server is not resolving the share name
Why it's wrong here
DNS issues would not result in a 169.254.x.x address; that address is assigned when DHCP fails.
- ✗
The network cable is unplugged or faulty
Why it's wrong here
A disconnected cable would typically result in no IP address or a disconnected status, not an APIPA address.
- ✓
The DHCP server is unavailable or unreachable
Why this is correct
When a DHCP server cannot be contacted, Windows automatically assigns an APIPA address in the 169.254.x.x range.
- ✗
The user's account does not have permission to access the share
Why it's wrong here
Permission issues occur after network connectivity is established; an APIPA address indicates no network connectivity.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
Key term
IP address
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
Key term
DHCP server
A DHCP server is a network device or service that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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